What is a reasonable length of time?

Lancashirelass123

According to the Consumer Rights Act (2015), goods must be fit for purpose and last a reasonable length of time time.   I bought some pillowcases from a store renowned for the quality of their products in December 2019. The fabric on both of the pillowcases had split in two places on each and not on the seams. Neither of the pillowcases has had heavy wear. I have never known pillowcases split like this which makes me question the quality of the fabric used (they weren’t cheap). I’ve contacted the store in question who tell me that due to the length of time they are unfortunately unable to offer a replacement or a refund in accordance with our returns policy. So what is a reasonable length of time for pillowcases to last?

On-the-coast

Less than 6 years in my opinion…

singhini

Lancashirelass123 said:

According to the Consumer Rights Act (2015), goods must be fit for purpose and last a reasonable length of time time.   I bought some pillowcases from a store renowned for the quality of their products in December 2019. The fabric on both of the pillowcases had split in two places on each and not on the seams. Neither of the pillowcases has had heavy wear. I have never known pillowcases split like this which makes me question the quality of the fabric used (they weren’t cheap). I’ve contacted the store in question who tell me that due to the length of time they are unfortunately unable to offer a replacement or a refund in accordance with our returns policy. So what is a reasonable length of time for pillowcases to last?

Personally, i'd say 3 years 

BridgetTheCat

Reasonable time has always been difficult to determine and very much on a case by case basis. The CRA brought in the provision that anything found to be faulty within the first 6 months is assumed to have been faulty at the time of purchase. Beyond that the burden of proof is on the customer and the longer you have the item the harder that becomes. I’d think you would have a very hard time arguing anything beyond a year or maybe two depending on the item. There’s also a general principle in contract law (England & Wales) that you can’t bring an action more than 6 years after the time of purchase.

James_Poisson

BridgetTheCat said:

Reasonable time has always been difficult to determine and very much on a case by case basis. The CRA brought in the provision that anything found to be faulty within the first 6 months is assumed to have been faulty at the time of purchase. Beyond that the burden of proof is on the customer and the longer you have the item the harder that becomes. I’d think you would have a very hard time arguing anything beyond a year or maybe two depending on the item. There’s also a general principle in contract law (England & Wales) that you can’t bring an action more than 6 years after the time of purchase.

Can't see why this is on the parking forum?

However, the above is correct you would have to get an independent assessment of the article to prove a manufacturing fault, which would probably cost. 

If proven the retailer could be liable to refund the amount based on the purchase price of the use you have lost based on a reasonable length of expected use. This is a maximum of 6 years, so the amount due for refund would be zero.

Your only recourse would be the small claims court which I doubt you would win, I would forget it.

Exodi

Reported to be moved to the Consumer Rights board.

If you've had the pillows nearly 6 years, in my opinion they've lasted a reasonable length of time.

Pursuing this would likely cost more than just replacing the pillows. You've had your use out of them, even if successful (which you'd have to pay for an independent report and file a court claim to find out, and I suspect you wouldn't be), you wouldn't get a full refund, just what their notional value might be, which might be 0-4% of the price you paid, assuming you convince a judge that pillows should reasonably be expected to last longer than 5 years and 9 months.

MyRealNameToo

Lancashirelass123 said:

According to the Consumer Rights Act (2015), goods must be fit for purpose and last a reasonable length of time time.   I bought some pillowcases from a store renowned for the quality of their products in December 2019. The fabric on both of the pillowcases had split in two places on each and not on the seams. Neither of the pillowcases has had heavy wear. I have never known pillowcases split like this which makes me question the quality of the fabric used (they weren’t cheap). I’ve contacted the store in question who tell me that due to the length of time they are unfortunately unable to offer a replacement or a refund in accordance with our returns policy. So what is a reasonable length of time for pillowcases to last?

What fabric is it made from? Do you know its weight?

What price were they?

Expensive doesnt automatically mean it will last longer, you need to consider price in conjunction with the other attributes. If its made of a heavy weight cotton or linen you'd except it to last much longer than a gossamer silk even though silk is likely to be more expensive. 

Law of limitations gives you 6 years (E&W or 5 years in S) in which to make a claim and the CRA allows the merchant to deduct use. Even if we were to say 6 years is a reasonable life span your use already represents 68 out of the 72 months so at best you are looking at a 5% refund. 

Grumpy_chap

Five years seems like a long time for a pillow case IMO.

FWIW, we bought some pillow cases from John Lewis in 2023.  One of them split recently and I didn't give it a second thought but just chucked it and got a replacement.

Ergates

Lancashirelass123 said:

According to the Consumer Rights Act (2015), goods must be fit for purpose and last a reasonable length of time time.   I bought some pillowcases from a store renowned for the quality of their products in December 2019. The fabric on both of the pillowcases had split in two places on each and not on the seams. Neither of the pillowcases has had heavy wear. I have never known pillowcases split like this which makes me question the quality of the fabric used (they weren’t cheap). I’ve contacted the store in question who tell me that due to the length of time they are unfortunately unable to offer a replacement or a refund in accordance with our returns policy. So what is a reasonable length of time for pillowcases to last?

Difficult one.  I think you'd probably struggle from a legal perspective.   I'd expect pillow cases, especially with light use, to last longer than that.  (I'm pretty sure all my pillow cases are older than 6 years).   But... if that's strong enough to win a court case (which it'd come to if they refused to budge) is another matter.

You could write a nice letter to the CEO of the company explaining how you are disappointed, that you'd always associated their company with quality and durability and these pillow cases don't live up to their reputation.   Might work, might not work.

Okell

We're still using pillow cases that must be at least 10 if not 20 years old.

Is that unusual?

sheramber

It depends what they are made of, how often they are washed and were they washed according to the  instructions.